AT&T already stocking iPhone 5 silicone sleeves in stores

On the heels of a leak showing iPhone 5 cases entered into the carrier's inventory system, more evidence has emerged that AT&T has begun stocking third-party iPhone 5 cases days before Apple is expected to unveil its next handset.

An alleged store employee at an AT&T retail store sent to MacRumors photos of newly arrived silicone sleeves for the as-yet-unannounced "iPhone 5." The product appears to be a low-end generic case, as it carries no distinguishable brand, is simply labelled "cell phone accessory" and comes in oversized packaging.

The sleeve features a tapered design with the mute switch on the right side of the device, resembling purported iPhone 5 cases that have proliferated in China for months.

However, the publication took care to note that the cases run against the "growing feeling that Apple may not be releasing such a device" because of recent evidence suggesting that Apple's design for its next iPhone may be "nearly identical to the iPhone 4."

Earlier on Thursday, a leaked photo allegedly of AT&T's inventory system surfaced, showing entries for iPhone 5 hard case, soft case and skin products from Case-Mate. The case maker had previously posted its case designs on its website, but took them down shortly after they went up.

Anticipation for the next-generation iPhone reached a fever pitch after Apple sent out invitations to an event next Tuesday, Oct. 4, with the tagline "Let's talk iPhone." The tagline has prompted renewed speculation that Apple will include voice recognition features on its fifth-generation smartphone. The next iPhone is widely believed to feature the A5 processor found in the iPad 2 and an 8-megapixel camera.

There has been some disagreement, however, about whether Apple will introduce a redesigned iPhone 4 in addition to a new model. It had been suggested that Apple was looking to release a cheaper iPhone 4S alongside the iPhone 5, but recent reports have poured cold water on the rumor.

Could this possibly suggest apart from the obvious indication of a redesign, a more imminent release following Tuesday's event. Seems too early to stock cases for something not due out for over 2 weeks...

As much is obvious, but think of the ramifications: overhead involving restocking, labor to file returns, repackaging costs, time wasted dealing with returns in the heat of an iPhone release, disgruntled customers resulting in loss of AT&T brand loyalty/trust, inventory tracking costs, etc.

Maybe it's just a risk worth taking to be the only major carrier with cases in-stock on day of launch. If so, then you would expect Verizon to be doing the same regardless of risk.

Either they're dead certain these are the correct cases or they just have that much free capital to risk. I'm betting on the latter. \

As much is obvious, but think of the ramifications: overhead involving restocking, labor to file returns, repackaging costs, time wasted dealing with returns in the heat of an iPhone release, disgruntled customers resulting in loss of AT&T brand loyalty/trust, inventory tracking costs, etc.

Maybe it's just a risk worth taking to be the only major carrier with cases in-stock on day of launch. If so, then you would expect Verizon to be doing the same regardless of risk.

Either they're dead certain these are the correct cases or they just have that much free capital to risk. I'm betting on the latter. \

Of course ATT would know what iPhone5 looks like by now. Apple had to send them final production examples to verify indeed they work on the carrier's network.

Seems like Apple's grapple on secrecy keeps breaking more and more with every new generation which is a good thing for the consumer. One day the Apple will have to tear down for good the Jobs paranoia wall.

Thandu is one of about 200 field technicians who have been secretly testing the iPhone and looking for technical glitches for more than 10 weeks and counting. AT&T routinely tests new devices, but the iPhone has been different, Thandu says. The technicians have logged more than 10,000 hours on the phone, including more than 5,000 hours of voice calls and near 5 gigabytes of data usage. Most phones, he says, get about half that much test time.

AT&T's scrutiny is understandable. The iPhone is shaping up to be the must-have cellphone of the year, maybe the decade if it follows in iPod's footsteps. AT&T has exclusive U.S. distribution rights for five years and hopes to use the device to lure new customers.

To win at that, however, the iPhone must live up to its hype. That's where Thandu and his crew come into play. "My job is to make sure the devices we sell meet the high bars we set for them, in terms of technical requirements and test specifications," he says.

Doing dry runs with the world's most anticipated cellphone has been challenging. Tests had to be done in places frequented by wireless users. Under strict orders to keep the phone under wraps, technicians had to hide or disguise the phone when in public, Thandu says.

The disguises took many forms: an iPod "sock" was sometimes slipped over the iPhone. Other times, he says, testers kept the device inside a newspaper or pants pocket and used a wireless headset.

For the actual testing, technicians frequented all the places where consumers go: office buildings, subway platforms, stairwells, elevators, crowded bars, sprawling suburban malls and congested city streets. They also showed up incognito at Apple and AT&T stores

"My 8th grade math teacher once said: "You can't help it if you're dumb, you are born that way. But stupid is self inflicted."" -Hiro.

Doesn't mean Apple has to show anyone anything. AT&T agreed to the first iPhone without seeing it.

Sure, but that doesn't involve giving the devices to the carriers.

AT&t upgraded a voicemail system they used for other phones as well, they didn't pay the entire R&D and allow a phone on their network sight unseen

AT&T has tens of thousands of towers in different states of software versions. someone has to go out and test on a good percentage of them. and this version the radio is going to be from qualcomm and not crapfineon like the last 4 versions

the packaging looks suspicious and generic. I wouldn't mind seeing like a smart cover for the iphone if it does indeed have a metal back.

When the iPad 2 first debuted I thought that would be a good idea, but my iPad's SmartCover doesn't always stay one when it's in my computer bag getting jostled so I have a hard time thinking it would fair any better in my front pocket. Plus, with the way I use my iPhone I'd think it would get in the way.

Dick Applebaum on whether the iPad is a personal computer: "BTW, I am posting this from my iPad pc while sitting on the throne... personal enough for you?"